Cooking Assistant Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

The Yay Company

Kitchen & Service Assistant

Role Overview

The Kitchen & Service Assistant keeps the kitchen running and the cafe stocked. They support the Lead Cook with prep and production, handle labeling and staging for distribution, and are the face of Yay during lunch service and grab-and-go. Depending on the market and school, this role may also include packing food for delivery to spoke schools and running that delivery. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where anticipation, accuracy, and presence with students are the standard.

Who You Report To

Your Kitchen Manager, with day-to-day direction coming from the Lead Cook during production.

Core Responsibilities

Kitchen Prep Support

• Handle mise en place for the Lead Cook - washing, chopping, weighing, and portioning ingredients in the order they are needed
• Keep the Lead Cook's station clear between production runs so they always have a clean surface to work on
• Anticipate what is needed next and have it ready - the Lead Cook should never have to stop production for something you should have already done

Labeling & Staging for Distribution

• Label every item leaving the kitchen - item name, date, quantity, and use-by date - the moment it is filled or packed, no exceptions
• Stage items by school, service time, or route as directed by the Kitchen Manager
• Record quantities staged on the production sheet and notify the Kitchen Manager when staging is complete so distribution or pickup can begin

Spoke School Packing & Delivery

• Pack food for delivery to spoke schools per the Kitchen Manager's production and route schedule - correct quantities, correctly labeled, staged in the right order for the route
• Load and transport food to spoke school locations safely and on time, maintaining temperature standards throughout
• Confirm delivery with the receiving Lead Cook or school contact and flag any discrepancies immediately to the Kitchen Manager
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required for roles that include delivery

Lunch Distribution

• Assemble trays, organize pre-order pickup by classroom or grade, and ensure every student receives the correct order - whether at the hub kitchen or at a spoke school location
• Flag any discrepancies to the Lead Cook or Kitchen Manager immediately

Grab & Go Cafe

• Stock and maintain the grab-and-go fridge and pantry shelves before and during service per the planogram
• Confirm items are in the correct location, prices are visible, and shelves are faced and full
• Run checkout accurately and warmly
• Monitor stock levels throughout service and flag anything running low before it runs out

Cleaning & Kitchen Support

• Clean as you go - clear the Lead Cook's station, wipe down surfaces, and wash and sanitize equipment between tasks
• Participate fully in end-of-shift kitchen breakdown - this is a team effort
• Clock out on BambooHR on location at your actual end time

Day at a Glance

Opening - Set up your prep station, pull ingredients as directed by the Lead Cook, and begin mise en place before production starts.

Production - Execute prep tasks in the order the Lead Cook needs them. Label everything as it is packed or staged. If your role includes delivery, pack and load spoke school orders before your route window.

Service - Distribute pre-order lunches on site and/or at spoke schools, run grab-and-go checkout, and restock shelves. Be present, be warm, be fast.

Closing - Clean your area, rotate remaining stock, wipe down the grab-and-go fridge and shelves, and assist with full kitchen breakdown.

What Success Looks Like

• The Lead Cook never has to stop production to do something you should have already handled
• Every item leaving the kitchen is labeled correctly, every time
• Spoke school deliveries go out on time, at temperature, and with zero packing errors
• Students receive the right order, on time, with a warm interaction
• The grab-and-go cafe is stocked, faced, and running smoothly throughout service
• Your section of the kitchen is clean and organized from open to close

What We're Looking For

• Experience in a kitchen, cafe, or food service environment - you know how to move with urgency and purpose
• Strong attention to detail - labeling, staging, and portioning accuracy are non-negotiable
• A people-first mindset - you enjoy interacting with students and take pride in making service feel welcoming
• Reliable and self-directed - you don't wait to be told what needs doing; you see it and handle it
• A team player who takes ownership of their station and shows up for the people around them
• Comfortable on the road if delivery is part of your role - reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required
• Food handler's certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay
• A high-growth, mission-driven company where your work directly impacts what kids eat every day
• A team that values accountability, transparency, and operators who take pride in their craft
• Real opportunity to grow within TYC as we expand into new markets

The Yay Company 2026